Tank age, biofilm, and the nitrogen cycle — for starters.

In today’s chapter of shrimp keeping, we want to share some important information with our valued customers — whether you are buying shrimp from an aquarium shop or ordering them online.

Shrimp keeping is an incredibly rewarding part of the hobby, but it also requires understanding, patience, and a properly established aquarium. Before even thinking about shrimp, your tank should ideally be fully cycled, mature, and rich in biofilm — which serves as one of the most natural and essential food sources for shrimp. A brand-new tank with little to no biofilm is often not ready for shrimp, no matter how good your filtration is.

Shop the Sale: If you are ready to start your journey, check out our Shrimp Bundle Sale.

In this article, we will be covering the key aspects of shrimp care, including buying shrimp, acclimation, colouring, molting, breeding, and feeding.

Understanding Shrimp Grading

From a customer service point of view, we always strive to provide the best quality shrimp stock available. That is why our shrimp are mostly graded into high grade, medium grade, and low grade, based on the intensity, coverage, and type of colour. These grades reflect the shrimp’s genetic potential and visual quality under ideal conditions. You can find these various grades currently available in our Shrimp Bundle Sale.

However — and this is where understanding becomes very important — shrimp colour is not permanent like paint on an object.

The Biology of Colour

From a customer’s perspective, it is completely normal to sometimes feel that the colour of shrimp does not look exactly the same as in the photos when buying online or even in-store. This is not a fault in the shrimp — this is biology.

Shrimps have chromatophores — special pigment cells that allow them to adjust and blend in with their environment. Because of this, shrimp naturally change colour depending on their surroundings, stress levels, lighting, and substrate. A high-grade shrimp may temporarily look dull, lighter, or even closer to a “wild-type” appearance when introduced into a new tank. This is simply their natural survival behaviour.

Note: Your role as a shrimp parent is just as important as the quality of shrimp you purchase.

If shrimp are placed on bright, light-coloured substrate with minimal plants, moss, or hiding spaces, they will feel exposed and stressed — and their colour will likely fade. This is not because the shrimp is low grade, unhealthy, or “not what you ordered,” but because the environment is not supporting their natural behaviour.

Setting Up for Success

To help your shrimp settle in properly and safely, we strongly recommend:

• A mature, fully cycled tank

• Plenty of natural biofilm present

• Dark substrate (black or deep brown is ideal)

• Dark background

• Plenty of moss, plants, and caves for hiding

• Gentle, stable lighting (not harsh or overly bright)

• Stable water parameters

• Slow and proper acclimation

Nutrition and Vitality

Feeding also plays a crucial role in shrimp health and colour. While algae wafers and generic fish foods can be used occasionally, they are not enough for high-quality shrimp. We recommend using specialised shrimp food brands that are formulated specifically for their nutritional needs — supporting colour development, molting, and overall vitality.

Patience is Key

Shrimps are delicate, intelligent, and reactive creatures. They need time to adjust, feel safe, and establish themselves in their new home. During this period, colour changes are completely normal and should not be a cause for concern.

Shrimp keeping is not about instant results — it is about patience, care, and understanding. When given the right environment, your shrimp will regain their confidence, bring back their vibrant colours, and may even start breeding in your tank.

At the end of the day, we supply high-quality shrimp — but how they look and thrive long-term depends greatly on the environment you provide them. Take advantage of our current Shrimp Bundle Sale to begin building your vibrant colony.

Happy shrimp keeping! 🦐🌿